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February 16, 2010

With a Happy Heart

I used to say "with a happy heart" as I spoke with a child who seemed to be less than joyful.
It was saying to him please be kind or pleasehave a positive outlook.

But feelings are REAL .we *feel what we feel* and let's face it, sometimes we are not too happy. That's ok. What IS important, is to acknowledge what we DO feel and go from there. ....

A child needs to be allowed to feel, to be encourged to let it all out, whether it's a good feeling or a bad feeling. It is what it is. It shouldn't be hidden or hushed up or minimized but felt with full force, unheeded, with raw emotion and awareness and not tucked away to cause anguish at another time.

How else will a child learn to cope if he can't express his emotions freely? When feelings are acknowledged, people feel valued .Our emotions are part of who we are.

It empowers a child to be able to feel and handle his own emotions, to know what he needs when he needs it. It could be yelling and screaming, going off alone, punching a pillow, or running and jumping. Only the child knows what he truly needs and we can help them all along the way.

So next time there's a cranky toddler in a store or some sibling rivalry going on or your teen has an attitude, breathe and allow them to feel. Then see what you can do to help.
Our children are our partners in the journey of life.

When sitting, just sit.When eating, just eat.When walking, just walk.When talking, just talk.When listening, just listen.When looking, just look.When touching, just touch.When thinking, just think.When playing, just play.And enjoy the feeling of each moment and each day.

~from Everyday Blessings

MAKE A NATURE WEAVING

MAKE A MANDALA

MAKE A SUNCATCHER

MAKE A FAERIE RING

MAKE A BIRD NEST

MAKE A BIRD HAVEN

MAKE MARBLEIZED PAPER

MAKE A GEOBOARD

Make ROCK PHOTO HOLDERS

MAKE PRINTS ON FABRIC

MAKE A FUNKY BRANCH

Make egg art

The more you praise and celebrate your life,

the more there is in life to celebrate.

~oprah winfrey

Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of traveling.- Margaret B. Runbeck

May the Sun bring you new energy by day.

May the Moon softly restore you by night.

May the Rain wash away your worries.

May the Breeze blow new strength into your being.

May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life.